Go Riding. Be Happy.

Dec. 19 - Overall satisfaction with the motorcycle ownership experience has increased for a sixth consecutive year to a record-high level, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Motorcycle Competitive Information Study released this week.

The study finds that product quality has improved in 2008, compared with 2007, primarily due to a decrease in owner-reported problems. The overall number of problems reported averages 152 problems per 100 vehicles, down 8 from 2007. In addition, the number of owners who report having a problem-free experience with their motorcycle averages 42 percent in 2008, an improvement of 3 points, compared with 2007.

"Despite the fact that owners report paying 14 percent more for their motorcycles this year, they are also more satisfied with the value received for the money spent," said Tim Fox, research manager of the powersports practice at J.D. Power and Associates. "There are several motorcycle models with a higher price point that owners have indicated are a particularly good value for the money."

Also from the study: Among motorcycle owners who visit a dealer for repair work, 79 percent report that the repair was performed correctly the first time. During the past seven years, satisfaction with the engine and transmission has shown the greatest improvement among product-related aspects.